DietNet - More Herbs

Feverfew for migraines - Feverfew has often been used to treat the same problems one would use aspirin for, particularly arthritis, fever and migraine headaches. It is also being used for asthma, dysmenorrhea and inflammatory skin problems. Feverfew helps migraine headaches by reducing two chemicals in the body which, in excess, are believed to be responsible for the intense head pain, nausea and light sensitivity associated with migraines - prostaglandin and serotonin. Recent research has identified the primary active ingredient in Feverfew to be a substance called parthenolide - a sesquiterpene lactone. The most current scientific studies show that maximum benefits and pain relief are achieved by a daily intake of 600 mcg of parthenolides.

Wood Betony for nervous & tension headaches - Wood Betony has a reputation for being a herbal aspirin & has been used to help relieve nervous stress and tension, and improve cerebral circulation. It has been used to strengthen the nerves, calm over activity, relieve premenstrual complaints and improve poor memory. It has also been known to stimulate the digestive and liver function and increase urine flow. Scientists have found that Wood Betony has the ability to dilate blood vessels and promote relaxation & its vascular effect has been linked to its ability to relieve headache pain, hence causing muscles to relax. A 1962 European study claimed that Wood Betony reduces high blood pressure, and another study claims that it kills the tuberculosis bacteria. Wood Betony has been used for both adults and children. Precautions: Wood Betony is considered safe when taken in appropriate doses. However, because it has the ability to mildly stimulate the uterus, it should be avoided in pregnancy. It is also noted that overuse could cause irritation of the digestive tract due to the tannins present.

Valerian root for nervous & tension headaches - Valerian root is a powerful anti-spasmodic & has sedative properties which have a calming effect on the central nervous system. It is mostly used for relieving emotional tension & insomnia. It relieves pain & normalises heart palpitations by slowing the action of the heart while strengthening it.

NSP Combination Four - A combination of four herbs (Catnip, Blessed Thistle, Pleurisy Root & Yerba santa) that support the respiratory system. Many people have found that taking Four alleviates their hayfever symptoms &, if taken over a number of seasons, the amount needed decreases.

Bee Pollen - As well as being good for energy, bee pollen can be used to overcome pollen allergies. A small twist and pull will open a capsule. Start with just a few grains a day, increasing the dose over several weeks until taking one capsule a day. Anemophiles are the light pollen that float in the air and cause the allergy symptoms. Entomophiles are the heavier pollen that the bees collect, mix with their stomach acids and nectar, then store in sacs on the backs of their legs. The stomach acid neutralises any allergy causing substance – that’s why Bee Pollen can be used this way. So people who get the summer sniffles and itches, start building resistance in Spring. (NB. People allergic to bee stings are not advised to desensitise this way.)

HELPFUL HINTS ON TAKING HERBS :

Start slowly - historically, many herbs have been used as cleansers with an action on the bowel. If too many are taken too soon, you may experience diarrhoea or nausea.
Some herbs have been known to increase the body's natural process of elimination, so expect to visit the bathroom a little more often than you are accustomed. This means that the large intestine is being cleaned out. Watery diarrhoea means you are taking too many at once - cut back and slowly build up to the amount you can handle. If you are taking laxative herbs you should lower the dosage to establish comfortable, regular bowel movements. Vomiting should never occur through the use of laxative herbs. If this occurs, cease taking the preparation and consult your health or medical practitioner.
A runny nose is naturopathically interpreted as throwing off excess mucous. Sometimes this is desirable and should cease in a short time. You may also notice a sense of well being in the head and lung area.
Nature cleanses, repairs, and builds slowly, so allow time for the herbs to do their work! Take them every day until the bottle is empty before you make a judgement.
Avoid mucous forming foods such as milk, milk products, sugar and white flour. These foods are only slowing down the cleansing process and are defeating the purpose of the herbs. If you insist on milk products, a good choice would be yoghurt, raw milk, raw cheese or cream.
Some people experience hunger during the first couple of weeks, but this will tend to subside as the impurities and congestion leave the body.
How many to take? Unless otherwise stated, start with two capsules a day and then increase the daily dose by one each week. Most people slowly build up to between four and six capsules a day.
Remember to drink a full glass of water with the herbs. Use mineral water, purified water or rain water if possible. Juices are acceptable alternatives and can reduce the likelihood of burping or repeating. It is unwise to take herbs with milk.
Remember, these are herb plants, which have been picked, cleaned, freeze-ground, and put into capsules. Nothing is added, so they are a totally natural supplement.

Extract from Nature's Sunshine Nutritional Profile.